The win might hurt the Warriors (23-41) in the long run. Utah holds their top pick this year as part of a previous trade, and the only way the Warriors keep it is if it is in the top seven after the draft lottery. Golden State is eighth-worst in the league with two games to play.

Nikola Pekovic had 19 points and 16 rebounds, and Barea had 14 points and 12 assists in all 48 minutes for the Timberwolves, who announced before the game that All-Star forward Kevin Love would not play the final two games because of a concussion.

According to sources, Waiters is high on the Warriors’ draft board. The 6-foot-4, 221-pound guard has impressed several teams and appears to be one of the hot names. He impresses the Warriors because of his ability to score, create offense and also play point guard. He’s got good size for a point guard. Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said Waiters’ game reminds him of Dwayne Wade. Contra Costa Times

Yes, Golden State already has a starting shooting guard in Thompson. But that doesn’t matter, according to sources. The Warriors are looking for the best available player no matter the position, especially since the early favorites (Baylor’s Perry Jones III and Kentucky’s Terrence Jones) didn’t impress. Going best available leaves the field wide open for the Warriors. Ross, if Portland snatches up Waiters, could feasibly play SF because his athleticism figures to help him guard the position. Contra Costa Times